For some reason, tales of people getting exceptional service always seem uplifting. Maybe it has something to with the fact that it kind of gives you hope that after jumping through countless hoops to get things connected, fixed, replaced, etc., you may have your own good customer service experience one day. Of course it could take contacting the big man himself, Mr. Gates.

Here's one man's story:

I was one of the first to get an Xbox 360 when they came out, paying way more than I should have. I had problems with the console right out of the box and after weeks of haggling with their normal customer service department, I was contacted by their escalation department. Within a week, my problems were solved and they sent me a bunch of free stuff (games & controllers). Fast forward two years, and I'm having the same problem. I emailed both Bill Gates and Kathleen Hogan(Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Customer Service, Support and Customer and Partner Experience) yesterday...I was contacted within twenty-four hours from the escalation department and a new console is on its way.

Sometimes you just have to go straight to the top to get something done.